In fact, I paid my way through my undergraduate university career by working 25 hours a week for 3 years at CBS while I was in school. It was a great place to work and I got to meet a ton of inspiring people during my time there.

However, there was always one problem….

I always failed the hemoglobin (iron) test!

Your hemoglobin levels must be high enough to donate blood or you are turned away. During my time at CBS, I was tested countless times and turned away each time as my hemoglobin failed to be higher than 12.5.

I knew deep down that the reason I was failing my tests was because of my poor diet. I didn’t give my body the proper nutrients it needed. I starved myself. I ate nutrient void foods.

I felt a void inside when I could not donate blood, but it took several years for me to finally get on my road to health.

In the past couple years, my diet has changed dramatically. Not only did I go from vegetarian to vegan, but I started being aware of the nutrients and amounts I was getting. Early in 2009, my doctor tested my blood and told me that my iron levels were great. Further tests this summer revealed the same.

I knew it was time to get back on the horse!

Today, I called up Canadian Blood Services and I made an appointment. Having worked there before, I am especially aware of how much blood is in need during the holiday season. The donation rates are often really low because people are traveling and busy doing other things.

I admit, I was a nervous wreck driving to the clinic.

What if I didn’t pass? What if I couldn’t give blood? I wondered.

I made sure to drink a lot of water and eat a big lunch right before I left. Water helps the blood flow and food helps with recovery and prevents dizziness and nausea.

I had a HUGE grin on my face that could not be removed! I was going to donate blood- that is, as long as I passed the series of questions…

After answering questions in a booth, and then more with a nurse, it was time to donate. I had the sweetest clinician attending to me. I told her how I was vegan and I was so happy I passed the test. She asked me a ton of questions about veganism and the time just flew by. It was only about 15 minutes for the actual donation part!

Notice that you don’t even ‘see’ the needle! It was covered up:

They ask you to squeeze a ball or balled up towel to get the blood flowing.

There is a tiny prick when the needle goes in but it was nothing. I barely knew I was giving blood!

Afterward, they ask you to put pressure on the entry point and stay on the chair for 5 minutes (10 mins for 1st timers).

Easy as pie!

A couple FAQ’s:

How long does it take to replace the whole blood taken during donation?

The plasma portion of a donation is replaced within hours, the platelet portion within days and red blood cells in about 56 days. This is why blood donors cannot give more often than once every 56 days.

How long after donating blood should a donor avoid strenuous activity?

Donors should avoid strenuous activity for about 6-8 hours after donating blood.

The whole process, start to finish, took about 60 minutes, but that was mostly because I stayed and gabbed away at the refreshment table for 15 mins. :) Met some lovely people!

I came home and did a little jig of happiness! What a high I felt.

I concluded that donating blood is very similar to running in a race:

You need to pre-fuel (Lots of water and food beforehand!)

Lay off the booze…completely ;)

You will urgently have to pee right before you begin

Your heart will race

You will tear up (on my drive home- what a sap!)

You will grin uncontrollably when it is over

You totally get to veg out the rest of the day- you need to rest!!

You will have to urgently pee immediately afterwards

You will consume lots of food and drink afterwards

You will eat dark chocolate in massive quantities because you deserve it (oops!)

You will wear your favourite shoes (note stilettos above!)

It may not seem like much to regular blood donors, but for me today was huge. I have been waiting for so long to do this, and to be able to do it is just an amazing feeling.

I always picture myself in someone else’s shoes and imagine if it was ME who needed the blood. It is such an easy thing to do, but it saves lives.

You can be sure I will be donating every 56 days from now on! :)

~~~~

Have you ever donated blood before? Were you ever rejected because of low hemoglobin levels?

Would you try out blood donation?

Do you know your blood type?

For those of you looking for a way to make a difference I encourage you to consider donating blood. Obviously it isn’t for everyone due to religion, personal beliefs, or health conditions, but for those of you who can and would like to, I say give it a shot. It is SO easy, painless, and yes…FUN. I really had a fun time and I met some cool people. It was like a social hour…just without the cocktails! ;)

Also, a tip for women: If you have problems being rejected due to low iron don’t try to donate when you are menstruating or immediately after. Wait until the 3rd week of your cycle if you can.

I don’t know my blood type, but I will when my donor card arrives in the mail.

Still nervous? Watch this video showing you the entire process from start to finish!

i had a professor one time that asked our class who know their astrological sign (everyone did) and then he asked who knew their blood type and only a few people raised their hands…he was like “knowing your astrological sign is nothing but knowing your blood type can SAVE YOUR LIFE”…heck of a point lol

thank you for bringing awareness to such an important issue! I try to donate at least 2 or 3 times a year and wish everyone could do the same! I have been rejected for my iron many times in the past but not in a very long time due to similar changes in my diet to yours!

Yeah, I’m going to have to humbly disagree on this one. I have never and I refuse to donate blood because I have an uncontrollable fear of needles and to me they hurt really badly (no little prick, extreme pain and terror) and are the complete opposite of fun. Even looking at your pictures above made me feel dizzy. I’ve had to get blood taken once for medical reasons and it took almost 2 hours for me to calm down enough for (MALE) nurses to be able to hold me still. Yeah, it’s that bad.

I have that problem too – even routine shots are a problem because I psych myself out and end up passing out at least half the time. I feel kind of guilty that I don’t but I know that if I went to try I would end up passing out and not being able to give anyway!

I used to donate blood every 60 days but I got out of the habit after training for the Ironman and then when I got pregnant I couldn’t. I should start again. It is so easy and it can save people’s life! I’m A positive and keep my blood donor card in my wallet!

Congratulations on passing and being able to donate!! I started donating when I was in high school and have done it a few times since then. I’d love to get in the habit of doing it though. My father used to donate every few months b/c he and I are both O+!

I used to donate blood but I always felt like I was going to pass out when I donated so after two almost pass-outs they told me it wasn’t worth it and i should stop coming. i felt kinda disappointed that I couldn’t give blood.

is it true that if you can’t give a whole bag of blood they don’t use it? were my attempts in vain?

Congrats for passing the test! I’ve never donated blood before because I assumed you couldn’t be active for a while afterwards. But 6-8 hours?? That’s nothing! Do you have to be sedentary before too? I’m definitely interested now

During my last semester of nursing school, I was driving home from my clinical at the hospital and passed the blood bank. I had also just heard on the radio they were short on doners and walk-ins were welcome. So, I stopped and went in to donate. I passed all the screening, they found a vein, poked, I’m good. I was almost to the end when I started seeing black spots. I knew my blood pressure was dropping, I hadn’t eaten since breakfast nor did I drink much throughout my long day at the hospital. They stopped my donation and tried to get me to eat. I was nauseated by that time. I was also mad knowing they would probably trash my *almost* full bag of blood because it didn’t weigh enough. The whole experience was a downer for me. See how you are laying there with your legs crossed at the ankle? I kept laying like that because it’s how I’m most comfortable and the tech kept making me uncross my legs. I was cold and uncomfortable. I haven’t been back to the blood bank since. Not out of fear of the blood or needle, but I’m afraid my body will fail me again. I’ve always wanted to fuel up and be well hydrated before giving it another shot, but just never have done it. I’ll also be curious to know if you notice a difference in your workouts, post donation. Good job, girlie! :)

Good for you! I donate every chance I get. It’s an easy thing you can do that can make a world of difference for someone. Both my brother and mother have needed a lot of blood during surgeries, and I feel good contributing to something so necessary!

I used to go with a group from work every 60 days but they did away with the limo pick up and drop off program so I haven’t done it in a while. I need to go to the hospital to visit my cousin so I’ll be sure to go and donate when I’m there.

I used to LOVE giving blood especially as I have a more rare type. I always hoped someone else out there who had my rare type was giving too in case I needed some! My friend and I would give blood in college and race to see who could fill up the bag fastest! LOL. BUT…I spent a semester in England and now am no longer allowed to give blood in the USA even though it was about 12 years ago. There is a restriction on those that lived in England during a certain time because I may carry mad cow disease! So disappointing, and such a waste of a willing blood donor.
Glad you did it…good for you!
Courtney
adventures in tri-ing

Angela – would you be willing disclose what your pre- and post-haemoglobin levels were? I am not aenemic but chronically sit at about a 3 for my ferretin stores (I know! I baffle both my MD and my ND…)

Not being able to donate has always been a downer for my, as it’s a passionate pastime in my family.

That’s so great that you were finally able to give blood! My boyfriend’s father has been donating blood every 2 months for many many years now, and I think it’s wonderful. However, I have never been able to give blood because while I am definitely older than 16 (23, in fact, haha), I am under 110 lbs… that’s too bad. Thanks for giving us a recap of your experience!

Good for you Ange! What a wonderful way to give back during the holidays. I’ve never donated blood myself…tried to once during high school, but I get so woozy at the sight of needles that they actually had to sit me in a separate room before I even had a chance to attempt a donation. My husband and I aren’t eligible to give blood because we visit the Dominican Republic pretty often. They have a high rate of malaria there, and while neither of us has ever contracted it, they pretty much won’t bother with you if you’ve been there within the last six months (and we go 2-3 times a year, so it’s always within six months of our last visit). I’ve never needed blood, and knock wood, hopefully I never will, but kudos to you and all the other donors out there who step up to the challenge! Merry Christmas!

I JUST wrote a post with my goals for 2010, and donating blood was on there! I’ve always been too afraid to donate blood, but in recent years I’ve been under doctor’s supervision for a medical conditions that require s blood samples all the time, and it hit me: it’s about time I actually donated! Thanks for posting such a comprehensive overview… it helps to de-terrify it a little bit :)

I just started giving blood again. I have O- blood. But, I always used to pass out!! They told me I should stop coming in. :) I tried again last year and I was successful. The trick – for me – is drinking A LOT of water beforehand. :)

Last year at this time I was in a strong battle against Leukemia. I required NUMEROUS blood transfusions as well as plenty of platelets. I remember the doctors being anxious when they knew I needed a transfusion on the 23rd of December, as there was barely any blood out there. I also remember seeing this on the news and it made me really nervous. Luckily, as I was considered some-what ‘high priority’ I was able to get the blood that I needed, but I know that there were MANY others out there that had to wait.

I’m really happy for you, but reading about people giving blood always makes me sad, because no matter how much I want to, I can’t! Which is really bad as well, because I’m O negative, which is the most useful kind of blood!
I think giving blood is a really amazing thing, make sure that you go back next time too! I think a lot of people do it once, say that they want to do it again but don’t actually get round to doing it.

I donate every 120 days. I have been turned away a few times d/t low HgB, but i also go back and it is back to normal after I eat some higher iron foods. I am O negative, so i feel it is really important for me to donate. Plus, I work in the ICU and hang blood all the time, so I see the end-result of donation and know how important it is.

I’m so stoked to hear that you donated!
I’ve always been an advocate of blood donation but I never did myself because I’ve always had a bad phobia of needles – even having to get blood taken from me every other week for several months didn’t make that go away. Three years ago though I finally sucked it up though and donated – something along the lines of “hey, yes, I have a phobia, but it’s entirely mental and I know that – but the blood is real, and the blood helps people, which is way more important than my anxiety – there are mechanisms for coping with anxiety.” It means that they are always asking me if I’m okay when I donate because I practice deep breathing and imaging, but I donate when I’m able to – thanks for the tip about the best time for our iron to be up – I do struggle with low iron levels (despite working with my Dr. and incorporating a lot of iron rich foods into my diet), so it’s always a guessing game – I’ll make sure to help out the odds next time.

I hate needles. I start giggling nervously even when just doing a quick blood draw, and cannot bear to watch the needle go in, and can’t stand looking at the needle in my arm. But like you, Anna, I can’t imagine not giving blood when I can. I hate needles and can’t help but physically react with panic around them. I take deep breaths as well, and glue my eyeballs in the opposite direction of the needle because it is so important to me to give blood. (It’s the same reason I donated my hair–while it’s uncomfortable for me for awhile, I cannot imagine how hard it would be to not have hair, or not have blood).

I have had problems with iron in the past, but I’m currently on iron supplements (available at most drugstores!) and haven’t had problems since. I am also sure to treat myself on blood donation days–I eat heartily, drink LOTS and LOTS of water (this helps with feeling light headed). I’ve been able to do a varsity practice afterwards no problem.

You continue to inspire me, Ange. That’s amazing and just went on my goal list.
I’ve just used your link and found the clinic closest to me- it is soooo close it is silly to think of NOT going. and 56 days? That flies by. I really, really hope I am able to donate.

I’m so envious of people who are able to do it; I can’t because I don’t weigh nearly enough. My whole family donates and I feel terrible every time they go and I can’t. And it kills me when perfectly eligible people don’t care enough to do it. Anyway – you’re awesome for finally passing the test and caring enough to post about it!

I donated frequently in HS, but I was right at the weight line (110 lbs) and often passed out and or went dangerously low on BP. Haven’t since my last time 6 years ago bc of a major scare (I blacked out long term) I’ve got a pound or two more than that now ;) maybe I should try again this year!

I really want to know my blood type! I’ve asked my primary doctor in the past and he’s told me “you don’t need to know that.” Ummm, what? Maybe it’s time for me to look into a new primary. I’ve never given blood but I would absolutely consider it- needles don’t bother me but I get lightheaded from losing even one vial of blood (when getting my cholesterol tested) so that’s caused me to shy away from the idea. Thanks for the inspiring post- donating blood is definitely something I should think about and pursue!

I gave blood just about 2 months ago at work. I’ve never had low iron or hemoglobin, but I felt SOOO weak for WEEKS after giving blood the last time. My running was so hard and I was so tired. I really do feel it was due to giving blood :(

OK, first, I love that you had to wear stilettos to give blood. Knew I liked you.

Second, this made me take a fresh look at blood donation. I used to give frequently but had a couple of bad experiences with inconsiderate “needle administrators” that actually left the inside of my elbow scarred! They thought I would be a “slow bleeder” (WTH???) and so used a BIG needle. I got frustrated after the second time nobody listened to me and butchered me. Now, that was here in the states, and I know it was just an unfortunate couple of incidents, but it kept me from going back.

I do remember how good it felt knowing that I was helping someone. I think I need to try going back, maybe to a regular blood center and not those “event driven” ones where everyone is in a hurry.

i have donated pretty often in the past year or two. my mom always had too high of a pulse, so she never could, but she has that under control now and has been asking me to go with her. it’s been fun, and i enjoy doing something that i know is helping others out there.

the last few times i’ve gone my iron has been on the low side, they have had to spin it to get it to pass. i’ve been starting to drink some green monsters myself now :) so i’m hoping next time it’s higher!!

Good for you for donating!!! And congrats on passing your test :) Yay for GM’s. I am not able to donate blood due to a thyroid problem. But my brother is VERY VERY active in blood donation and runs a drive every year at his school. GO HIM!

I’m a fellow canadian living in Vancouver and i’ve been an avid reader of your blog for quite a while now! I love your enthusiasm! This was the first time i’ve ever felt the need to comment haha. I’m 22 and I’ve been donating blood regularly since I turned 17. Save for a year after I pierced my ears, and some time away due to travelling, I donate every 65 days. And I have the same issues, my blood is on the low end of that hemoglobin thing. There were a few times I got rejected and I remember feeling so down because I couldn’t do my share to help! However, I still keep going back! I’m due to give my 25th unit of blood in January! woot!

I think its a marvelous thing, and that no enough healthy people participate in so I think its great that you’re setting a wonderful example for others!

Thats awesome of you to donate during the holiday season. I have been turned away every time ive tried because my iron is too low. Hopefully soon ill be able to. its been on my list of things to do for a long time now and its kind of disappointing not being able to.
have a merry christmas, to you, eric and your cute kitty.

I’ve always wanted to donate, but unfortunately will never be able to. I’m not sure what the rules are in Canada, but in the U.S. if you were born or even traveled outside of the States for more than 2 weeks in the 80’s you can’t donate. I was born and raised partially in Germany. I always feel bad knowing that I can’t help people in that way. Congrats though!!!! I always love the feeling I get knowing that I was able to help somebody in anyway, (and in your case, save their life).

Congratulations!! What a rewarding feeling to know that you can give blood, that your body is healthy, and that you’re helping people. I have to admit, the thought of having my blood pumped for 15 minutes literally made me queezy while reading your post.. my eyes saw spots for a minute even! So I will have to get over that before I can donate. You were very courageous. :)

Hmm… someone mentioned their doctor told them they don’t need to know their blood typer. And that’s correct – it is not important to know your blood type. And definitely not necessary for your primary care physician to order the test just for your own curiosity.

I would like to mention even if you know your blood type, should you ever need a transfusion, your blood will be drawn prior to the transfusion and typed (A, B, AB, O) and also tested for the Rh(or “D”) antigen/antibody (where the + – comes from), there are many antibodies your blood will be tested for. In reality, to be transfused with cells of your own type and RH factor isn’t sufficient enough. If you’ve ever been pregnant or been transfused before, there could be other antigens that must be absent from cells you are going to be transfused with.

Additionally, once the lab has your exact blood type figured out, your blood will be cross-matched with the donor cells in a test tube. This will simulate the interaction of your blood with the donor cells before they are actually put into your body. Each time you are transfused, your “blood type” test results are only good for a period of 3 days or so (varies by policy). Sure, the records are kept on file, however when you need blood again, say a week later, your blood will be tested all over again for the “type”…etc. Seems complicated, and it is…but it’s a very serious deal.

So, to make a short story long…no one really needs to know their blood type, though it is interesting! Especially when you know your parents, or your spouses and childrens. It’s neat to see how the types work out based on the recessive/dominant genes.

I am a regular donor, and you’re right-it is so fun and it totally is social hour! I love the ladies there. One is this really elderly lady who is as sharp as a tack and hilarious! I had one bad experience a few years ago and thank God, my fears to go back went away. If anyone else has had a bad experience, bring a loved one with you, don’t look at the needle, take deep breaths, and be honest with the person taking your blood. Once you get over that one bad experience, it is so easy to keep going back! I’m 0+ :)

I gave blood when I was in college. I was at the borderline of the allowable weight (and had been turned away before for being too light) and was really happy to donate blood. I was fine walking back to my dorm, and I climbed up into my bed (I had the top bunk) and felt okay. I was resting comfortably when I decided that I was thirsty, climbed down, poured myself a glass of water, set the water down on the counter and passed out on my dorm room floor. I proceeded to faint twice more- once that afternoon several hours later doing laundry, and once again in the evening.
I’m not sure if I was just too light or if that’s my reaction to giving blood, but it has prevented me from giving blood again- mainly because I would have to drive to give blood. I don’t think I should drive in case I faint while driving.
It’s too bad because I would like to give blood. I just don’t feel that it’s safe for me to do so. :(

Congrats Angela! I am a big fan of donating blood and try to do it every 8-10 weeks. I am also a vegetarian and sometimes my iron levels are too low, but it hasn’t happened in a while.. I agree that it’s a very positive experience and it’s awesome that something so easy and relatively painless can help so many people!

I always wanted to give blood but ended up doing it only 1/2 a time, lol. First, I was too young. Then I went to costa rica a few times, which is on the list of Malaria countries even though there is no malaria there. After that I finally went for my first donation. After about 100ml I almost passed out and it took me an hour to get back on my feet to go home again. Too bad it was so little they couldn’t use it. They really need the whole bag for the blood. If you don’t fill it up completely they can still use it for the plasma. but the amount wasn’t even good enough for that haha. I already feel lightheaded when they need my blood for exams. Even though I really don’t care about the needles and the blood, my bloodpressure somehow drops as soon as they get the tiniest amount of blood out of me haha. I read that drinking water helps, so I am going to consider giving it another try and fuel up beforehand.

Good for you, Ange! I have to admit, I have been far too nervous to ever donate blood. In high school, I used the excuse that I was under the recommended weight (I was a little short string bean), and now I am just too scared. Maybe your post will inspire me to donate blood the next time I see a blood drive advertised! (Maybe I should add it to my Fitness Bucket List?)

Awww, good for you, Ange! That’s so awesome. Love the jig of happiness – haha :)
I’m the universal donor type, but that last couple of times I’ve donated have been disasters. I won’t go into detail for fear of persuading others not to donate – because one time it was my fault, and the other time it was the volunteer’s fault. One of these days I’ll get back to it, though!

I also donate blood, it’s such a great way to help people and isn’t as terrifying as people seem to think.
A woman who once thecked my hemoglobin told me that some people don’t eat red meat (shocker), especially women which is really bad for the blood. I then replied that I’m a vegetarian. HA! So much to “you have to eat meat to donate blood”. What a lie!

Good job Ang! I have donated in the past but from travelling to certain countries in the past few years I haven’t been able to but should be able to soon! This was a good reminder for me to get back into doing it!

This is so great! I have been turned away the last 2 times I went to donate because my blood pressure was too low. The last time, the nice tech told me to drink a soda and eat some chips before coming in to help raise my blood pressure.
It makes me happy to know I am helping some one in need:)

You are lucky that you had a good person. I’ve given blood and it hurt like heck.

I used to donate blood all the time and then the US put a stupid rule in place that said I couldn’t because of how long I’d lived outside the US. I think the rule has changed and I want to try to donate again the next time they are here.

Congrats! I admit I have been slacking off on giving blood — I need to get back into a regular schedule. I did test too low for iron once (I don’t eat red meat, and I’m always right on the edge) and I started crying! The poor technician’s like, “Uh, you can try again in three days…” heehee! Which, of course, I did!

About a month ago, I gave blood for the first time. Every year for Christmas, my family donates something in honor of my grandparents as their Christmas gift. Since my grandpa needed multiple blood transfusions this summer, we decided to give blood. I will continue to give blood as often as possible.

I actually never thought about this until I read your post – I also tried to donate blood in college and was turned away because of my low hemoglobin. During my pregnancy I consistently tested as borderline anemic. I had to take iron pills, and even they didn’t really elevate my levels much – my doctor finally told me it was probably just a natural state for me. But now, I have been drinking green smoothies with tons of spinach practically every day for the past 6 months. Your post is now making me wonder whether or not this has changed things – I may have to make another trip to the blood bank to check it out!

Way to go on giving blood Angela!! Obviously, by your exciting post, it felt wonderful :)
I always have low iron (since I was a kid), so it has never been an option for me…but after your post, I may add it to my 1001 things to do list and see if I can pass the hemoglobin test at least once!

I’ve never donated as I am kind of borderline for the minimum weight requirement; I’m probably just over, but I’m prone to hypotension so I fear the combination would make me faint! My fiance donates regularly, though, and I think it’s great.

Wow . . . good on you for donating blood! I have always wanted to but Ive been scared. Im glad you posted all those pictures, it seems far less daunting now. I dont even know my blood type, but I really would like go and donate blood. I hear the commercials all the time, and some of them make me tear up a little. It really is the best gift you can give.

I’ve tried to donate 3 times and was able to donate 2 out of the 3. The first time I fainted and the second two times I nearly fainted – they had to tip me upside down, but I made it. Any tips for that? I’d like to donate again, but I’m so scared to faint. I don’t look at it or anything! It’s so weird. But I do know I’m AB- !!

Wow, look how many people you’ve inspired! That is so great. I have been meaning to go over to the hospital near my work and donate. I’ve only done it once before, a couple of years ago — previously I was too nervous because I’ve always been terrified of needles, but I figure since I’ve managed to tolerate multiple tattoos and piercings I can sit through a few minutes of blood-letting. It still makes me really squeamish, but I want to make an effort to do it a lot more often. I’m O+, which I didn’t think was all that common but it seems like a whole lot of commenters are my same type.

You make donating blood so inspiring! I have always been too nervous to even attempt giving blood, assuming I would pass out or something completely unexpected. But I really do want to give it a try sometime in the future when I can work up the courage! Way to go!

Giving blood is one of my favorite ways to be a good citizen. I go every 8 weeks and it makes me feel better than practically anything else that I can do for my fellow people! Cheesy, I know! I was so excited to read that this is important to you too. Most people think that I make far too much out of it’s importance! Thank you for posting about this topic — you make SUCH good use of your blog!

Congrats on getting your iron levels up!! That speaks volumes for your diet :) And I think giving blood is just absolutely fantastic–you have no idea how many people can be dramatically helped by you taking the time out of your day to donate!!!

I’m so proud of you! I give blood every 60 days, although I have to wait six months since I pierced my nose. I couldn’t wait to be old enough to give blood, it’s so quick, and you never know who you could be helping!!!

Congrats Angela! it’s a great thing for sure and a great feeling to contribute! I went thru a few years where our blood drive folks asked me to stop trying. I have low bp and at the time had low iron…I had a very hard time recovering but now…esp after the baby…I must be eating much better becasue my bp is still very low but A+ on the iron and everything esle. I love getting the stats on your cholesterol. I am dontating again in January but as tired as I’ve been I need to pay great attention to my blood iron and make sure it’s all good so I still can!

This is awesome! I can’t give blood because I’m anemic and on freaky medications that make my blood kinda crappy… but if I’m ever healthy again it’s definitely something I would like to do. I’m great at getting needles now!

Congrats Angela!
So funny to read this as I gave blood yesterday evening for only the second time. Such a good feeling! I’m a little woozy this morning but I may have by accident had a couple of festive drinks last night. Baileys doesn’t really have alcohol does it?:) Its practically a health drink;)
Here in Ireland the cut off for Hb is 12.5 so I’m getting away with it at the moment. This is quite high for me as mine usually hovers around 10 or 11.
Please remember to mention donating to friends because you never know! Yesterday I told our secretary that I was going to donate after work and he decided to donate for the first time. Then he mentioned it to a co-worker who didn’t have transport to the centre and she came with us so that was 2 extra donations just by word of mouth!

Congrats on your first blood donation! It’s truely a wonderful feeling giving such a physical aspect of yourself back to the community. I remember being so happy after my first donation as well. Previously, I kept on getting turned away due to the places I traveled to (they make you wait around a year! D: ) So this fall, after finally staying put for the summer, I was given the ok to give blood. I remember walking into the clinic around lunch time (several hours after eating breakfast and not eaten lunch yet) and being told that my blood pressure was too low! Ack! I thought I was going to get turned away again, but luckily, they told me to eat/drink at their provided snack area (originally intended for resting AFTER donating blood) before donating my blood. So I actually spent 30 min eating and 10 min actually donating blood. lol! Then a few weeks later, I got my blood donor card with my name and blood type printed clearly on it (I’m type B rh positive). I remember being as proud as a peacock and flashing the card to all my (rather bemused) friends. haha :D Hope you’re excitedly waiting for yours as well!

All through college I tried to give blood, but I was always rejected for low iron counts. I stopped eating red meat, poultry, pork, etc…when I was 13 (I still eat eggs and seafood), but instead of replacing the meat I wasn’t eating with something else, I just kind of skipped protein altogether – expcept for what I might happen to get through the other random foods I was eating. After college I started paying more attention and focusing on getting enough protein. I’ve been giving blood every 3 months for the last 2 and a half years! I’m lucky that my company hosts a blood drive every 3 months (as soon as we’re eligible again), so I go down to the lobby on my lunch break to give blood.

Also, My blood type is A Positive. And so is my husband’s and every single person in both of our immediate families (including my parents, step-parents and half-siblings). Knowing that makes it very personal when I give blood. Because I know that if anything were to happen to them, I am contributing to the blood supply that could save them.

I’ve never given blood – mostly because I’ve never been able too . If you’ve been pierced/tattooed within a certain time frame, you aren’t eligible. Plus, every time I’ve ever had blood tests, and they only take a few small vials, I almost always pass out (not because I’m afraid of seeing blood/needles, but just from the whole taking of the blood). I know I would be a good donor (O negative blood type – the universal donor), but it’s not something I think I could do. I’d rather be an organ donor.